I think the biggest flaw that the show is that they dwell too long on a scene far too often. Dwelling on a scene quickly turns it from good to bad. It gets on your nerves and it sort of ruins the show imo. Aside from that, There is some real potential here. The acting is good and it has quite a few promising moments that proves the show could easily become one of the best dramas on TV. I'dI think the biggest flaw that the show is that they dwell too long on a scene far too often. Dwelling on a scene quickly turns it from good to bad. It gets on your nerves and it sort of ruins the show imo. Aside from that, There is some real potential here. The acting is good and it has quite a few promising moments that proves the show could easily become one of the best dramas on TV. I'd continue watching to see how it unfolds.…Expand

Totalt honesty: After watching the complete first season, I'm very disappointed in critics and the media for rating it so low. This show has a stellar cast that give incredible performances. The writing is totally brilliant, we all know how great Aaron Sorkin is. The show's humor is good, makes you laugh and gets you in the light mood. The pace of every single episode is proper andTotalt honesty: After watching the complete first season, I'm very disappointed in critics and the media for rating it so low. This show has a stellar cast that give incredible performances. The writing is totally brilliant, we all know how great Aaron Sorkin is. The show's humor is good, makes you laugh and gets you in the light mood. The pace of every single episode is proper and downright perfect at times. The intensity of the critical situations has been dramatized wonderfully. This is television, I don't know why people keep reviewing it on the basis of realistic point of views. I don't know how real world journalism works, neither do I give a damn about it. All I care about is that this show is thought-provoking and entertaining at the same time. And if you have a problem with that and you want it to be just like the real world reporting, then just go and watch the real world reporting like CNN or Fox.…Expand

What is wrong with the critics!?! Usually I agree with them on mostly all shows, but how can a professional critic not see the brilliance behind this series. It's witty, well written, hilarious without trying to be, and the acting is great. Hands down one of the best new series on TV!

The Pilot is phenomenal. Watch that if nothing else. The rest of the show has its highs and lows. Witty like Sorkin can be, but with some annoying, messy characters. It's intelligent but also occasionally preachy, schmaltzy and melodramatic. It's not great television, but it's certainly bold. 6.8/10

As the most over-hyped TV show of the year everyone has heard about it and after watching the pilot episode, making it through to the next is a massive feat. It consistently fails to meet the high expectations that it demanded. It chokes on its own sarcasm. The characters have no emotional levels - they are essentially the same person played by different actors and each actor tries playingAs the most over-hyped TV show of the year everyone has heard about it and after watching the pilot episode, making it through to the next is a massive feat. It consistently fails to meet the high expectations that it demanded. It chokes on its own sarcasm. The characters have no emotional levels - they are essentially the same person played by different actors and each actor tries playing the characters different but it ends up looking like they are talking to themselves in the mirror. Sorkin may be the golden boy of writing but not this time. The world that Sorkin portrays is unrealistic and deeply flawed. He tries to display a newsroom as it should be where everyone has the same knowledge and education making the audience think they are half-witted in comparison. It is an infuriating disaster and one that can only be tolerated by the die-hard Sorkin fanboys only.…Expand

When you get past Arron Sorkin's one-way arguments and the somehow off-quality in the series, The Newsroom is excellent. Excellent enough to make you forget about the bias and sometimes contrived feel? Definitely. The casting is superb. And I mean SUPERB. This is the first show I've really seen where I love every character, or at least love to hate the rest. Arron Sorkin is also aWhen you get past Arron Sorkin's one-way arguments and the somehow off-quality in the series, The Newsroom is excellent. Excellent enough to make you forget about the bias and sometimes contrived feel? Definitely. The casting is superb. And I mean SUPERB. This is the first show I've really seen where I love every character, or at least love to hate the rest. Arron Sorkin is also a great writer. Emily Mortimer's "but it could be" scene is just amazing. I would recommend this to anyone who loves well written, character driven drama.…Expand

The very definition of a mixed bag for me. So excited for another Sorkin show, I love his rat-a-tat writing style and his last two movies have been phenomenal. That said from week to week this show left a lot to be desired. There are a couple of characters here that are very hard to get on board with, whether it is from lack of development or whether they are just ill conceived could beThe very definition of a mixed bag for me. So excited for another Sorkin show, I love his rat-a-tat writing style and his last two movies have been phenomenal. That said from week to week this show left a lot to be desired. There are a couple of characters here that are very hard to get on board with, whether it is from lack of development or whether they are just ill conceived could be up for debate. The main probelm with the show for me is the convenience of the sources that help these reporters out along the way. Every time there is a big story one of the characters comes up with a source that they know or are related to that give them an edge on the scoop. This gives the show an unbelievability factor that in most episodes is difficult to overcome. There is a lot to unravel in a short review, not everything here is bad but overall I have more problems than praise. I will be watching next year hoping things get better.…Expand

Having watched 9 episodes I have to downgrade my previous score of 7 to a 4. Episode 9 contained so many sanctimonious, cringeworthy moments I feel a little bit dirty watching this show.

The fact that Geoff Daniels rises above the mediocrity of the rest of the cast and the continually inconsistent standard of the dialogue he is given to deliver such a stellar performance is incredible.

When I heard about this show I was excited now that i've finished season one I see that this show epitomizes wasted potential. Great actors, great writer, great producers on arguably the best network on television. Instead of a crafting a show that would David Simon and Ed Burns green with envy we get a show that at best is a mediocre show about inter office social conundrums like JimWhen I heard about this show I was excited now that i've finished season one I see that this show epitomizes wasted potential. Great actors, great writer, great producers on arguably the best network on television. Instead of a crafting a show that would David Simon and Ed Burns green with envy we get a show that at best is a mediocre show about inter office social conundrums like Jim likes Maggie but shes into the douchy bf Don (who isnt at all that douchy but thats not the point). At worst the show is egotistical, smug, elitist, condescending, preachy and just poorly written. Much like the essay of a college freshman who just wrote an essay about all the evils of capitalism. Sorkin doesn't ask for complexity from his writers or staff, he doesn't ask for quality either by the look of it. The show has no grey area for its topic so instead of explaining it clearly it loudly yells and screams at the veiwer "look at my show! We cover topics of importance, real importance! Stuff that real journalists should have covered!" Guess Sorkin and Co didn't realize the news already did this, infinitely better than the show. The actors are wasted on the **** teleplay. Jeff Daniels and Emily Mortimer are wonderful and make great use of what they have, but they much to work with. Olivia Munn can act (although I find her character hard to believe as being 'socially inept' considering her previous career, even if she was once a reporter). Frankly, Sorkin and Co should ease up on the politics for next season (it would make the show infinitely more watchable) in favour of focusing on what actually works in the show; the inter office politics. That part is well written and feels authentic rather than preachy and smug. Who knows, maybe Sorkin will realize that he needs to write teleplays about news stories that are insightful and well written that don't treat the viewer as a 6 year old. That would be a treat to see, but until this happens the show can only be described as a preach selfindulgent mess which is the work of smug and egotistical writer's and producers trying to tell professionals how to do their jobs. Aaron Sorkin your show is horrible and you can do much better, you have done better, so fix it.…Expand

Sorry but I have to agree with the critics on this one, the show just isn't very good.

I started watching, predisposed to liking this series, based on the coming attractions and the fact that most HBO original series are generally pretty good. But try as I might, I couldn't get over all the self-righteous speeches, overly obvious plot devices, and manipulative audience-pleasingSorry but I have to agree with the critics on this one, the show just isn't very good.

I started watching, predisposed to liking this series, based on the coming attractions and the fact that most HBO original series are generally pretty good. But try as I might, I couldn't get over all the self-righteous speeches, overly obvious plot devices, and manipulative audience-pleasing elements.

I like all the actors, particularly Sam Waterson, but this show is just too cheesy for me. No subtlety, just a lot of over-dramatic speechifying. I started watching the second episode and not sure I'll even bother finish watching.

The heavily forced dialogue is unforgivably cheesy and the characters are outright annoying, especially in the way they finish each other's sentences. This show had great potential from an experienced writer but unfortunately, the quality does not match the ambition.

I can't believe some of the critics are being so silly about this. This is just about the best show on tv over the past few years. Not that I would expect anything less from Aaron Sorkin, but he really nailed it this time...

This show is one of the best on tv right now. Loved the dialog and the idealism -- makes me really miss the days when the news was actually the news and not the endless crap about things that don't matter that we have to put up with now unless we watch PBS. Would love to be able to post his bit about America in the opening sequence -- it is the truth. It's smart and funny and I'm lookingThis show is one of the best on tv right now. Loved the dialog and the idealism -- makes me really miss the days when the news was actually the news and not the endless crap about things that don't matter that we have to put up with now unless we watch PBS. Would love to be able to post his bit about America in the opening sequence -- it is the truth. It's smart and funny and I'm looking forward to the next nine episodes.…Expand

This show reminds me of the arguments people have in their heads. They never lose those arguments because they create lopsided points and make their opponents like idiots. This show is one straw man argument after another. The lead character is a republican/moderat/democrat that simply does not exist. It's the same thing that use to happen on West Wing. The writer (Sorkin) has no ideaThis show reminds me of the arguments people have in their heads. They never lose those arguments because they create lopsided points and make their opponents like idiots. This show is one straw man argument after another. The lead character is a republican/moderat/democrat that simply does not exist. It's the same thing that use to happen on West Wing. The writer (Sorkin) has no idea how to really create a republican candidate because he doesn't understand the republican mindset. Every character is the exact same style just representing a caricature of a real issue and then they go from one dramatic speech to another. Unrealistic dialogue. Unrealistic events. Trying to make news reporting way more dramatic and important than it really is. Just silly.…Expand

The only good thing about this show is the parts where they report something good like the Gabby Giffords part. The senior cast (Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer, Sam Waterston, and Jane Fonda) are the only reason i keep watching. the younger cast makes me feel that their sub plots are just there to fill in the extra space to fill

Everything that Aaron Sorkin writes comes from a place of dishonesty. He wishes to brainwash his viewers much like MSNBC/NBC news stick up for Obama brainwashing. The country is becoming more ignorant because people watch shows like this and in fact it's the same thing as the mainstream media. It's fantasy and made up. Watch Fox News and read drudgereport.com and the WallstreetEverything that Aaron Sorkin writes comes from a place of dishonesty. He wishes to brainwash his viewers much like MSNBC/NBC news stick up for Obama brainwashing. The country is becoming more ignorant because people watch shows like this and in fact it's the same thing as the mainstream media. It's fantasy and made up. Watch Fox News and read drudgereport.com and the Wallstreet Journal. If you are enjoying this show, it has to mean you are a liberal schmuck who supports the tyrant we have in office and watch MSNBC and Martin Bashir. Or you are resigned to the fact that Candy Crowley will lie for the president during a live debate in order to cover up Benghazi, something that CBS and 60 Minutes did already. This show is based on Chris Matthews and Lawrence O'Donnell, and Ed Schultz, all of whom are clinically insane. They've all had real life meltdowns and are admitted socialists. If you like this show, you probably have low character and are morally reprehensible as human beings. But enjoy, because it's just like mainstream media, fabrication and contrived fantasy.…Expand

This show is and entertaining hour. However, it is a bit unbelievable as Jeff Daniel's character plays a Republican that doesn't seem to embrace any Republican ideals. It's not my favorite Aaron Sorkin show, but I hope it holds up over time. The female characters feel more ridiculous (not in good way) than usual and, in general, are not particularly appealing or approachable. They areThis show is and entertaining hour. However, it is a bit unbelievable as Jeff Daniel's character plays a Republican that doesn't seem to embrace any Republican ideals. It's not my favorite Aaron Sorkin show, but I hope it holds up over time. The female characters feel more ridiculous (not in good way) than usual and, in general, are not particularly appealing or approachable. They are more like silly caricatures with few (if any) redeeming properties.…Expand

After making a point in the first episode of being a game changer, this show devolves into a show that exists to boost the egos of its creators and squeezes in cheesy romanticism at every corner. I watched this show with high hopes, expecting it to be about what was promised-- a news station that actually covers news objectively, without worrying about ratings, popularity, and money.After making a point in the first episode of being a game changer, this show devolves into a show that exists to boost the egos of its creators and squeezes in cheesy romanticism at every corner. I watched this show with high hopes, expecting it to be about what was promised-- a news station that actually covers news objectively, without worrying about ratings, popularity, and money. Instead, this show hit every episode continually with a "news suck, but we are better than everyone else" and as many annoying romantic (unromantically attempting to be romantic) relationships as possible. This show represents exactly what it dooms.…Expand

Pulling a show off like this is incredibly difficult. They handle real news stories and balance it with dramatic fiction. The core relationships are essentially a clone of the 80s classic Broadcast News. The behind the scenes newsroom content is chillingly accurate though. Jeff Daniels will win an Emmy for this and Emily Mortimer is fantastic.

The Newsroom had an amazing first half to the season and was just a joy to watch. Wit, intelligence, humour and great news stories were abundant in what was arguably the best show this year. Then the second half of the season came with the Bin Laden and two part blackout episodes coming to mind. Let's just say that I can see why Aaron Sorkin fired his writing staff. The writing hadThe Newsroom had an amazing first half to the season and was just a joy to watch. Wit, intelligence, humour and great news stories were abundant in what was arguably the best show this year. Then the second half of the season came with the Bin Laden and two part blackout episodes coming to mind. Let's just say that I can see why Aaron Sorkin fired his writing staff. The writing had just disappeared, with barely any wit, humour, intelligence and no great stories only to be replaced by cringing cheesiness and sentiment. Characters like Maggie and MacKenzie became very annoying and the show seemed to just lose direction and crumble. The finale was a good return to form yet still The Newsroom was best when the episodes focused on the news stories and had a little character drama around the sides, and even the finale which was a great viewing still didn't give us what made the show so fantastic to begin with. Overall an incredible first half, brought down by a lacklustre second half, give season 1 of The Newsroom 8/10. Bring on season 2 and Mr. Sorkin, bring in consistent writers that can repeat the quality of the first half of S1.…Expand

Season 1 had very few redeeming qualities. In fact, I don't even remember what they were. The show was incredibly smarmy and pat (from me, a professed liberal). Mackenzie is supposed to be this great and powerful producer, yet, she doesn't know how to not send an email to the entire staff? She bumbles her way through every scene, which just outs Aaron Sorkin (again) for his lack ofSeason 1 had very few redeeming qualities. In fact, I don't even remember what they were. The show was incredibly smarmy and pat (from me, a professed liberal). Mackenzie is supposed to be this great and powerful producer, yet, she doesn't know how to not send an email to the entire staff? She bumbles her way through every scene, which just outs Aaron Sorkin (again) for his lack of knowing anything of how to write female characters. Bah.…Expand

Well I read some other viewers reviews, bit the bullet and watched episodes 4 and 5, finally the shows catching the energy and tension that a news room drama should give, the seemingly gratuitous and irritatingly shallow one liners of the the first episodes are no more, the writings now quick and slick giving structure and depth to great story telling, The characters are alsoWell I read some other viewers reviews, bit the bullet and watched episodes 4 and 5, finally the shows catching the energy and tension that a news room drama should give, the seemingly gratuitous and irritatingly shallow one liners of the the first episodes are no more, the writings now quick and slick giving structure and depth to great story telling, The characters are also gaining depth and strength helping the actors develop and build. If this improvement keeps up it's gonna be one great series.…Expand

Even at its worst, 'The Newsroom' is far superior to most of television's offerings. Granted, there is a smug self congratulatory quality about the show that is paralleled by the Daniels character, but there are also periods of sparkling dialog and nicely turned comedic and dramatic moments. Also.. some truth does emerge from the wreckage of the political lies exposed. I don't imagine aEven at its worst, 'The Newsroom' is far superior to most of television's offerings. Granted, there is a smug self congratulatory quality about the show that is paralleled by the Daniels character, but there are also periods of sparkling dialog and nicely turned comedic and dramatic moments. Also.. some truth does emerge from the wreckage of the political lies exposed. I don't imagine a single opinion will be swayed from watching 'Newsroom', nor should that be the show's intent, however no one from either side of the political spectrum should object to this show's exposing unglamorous facts behind sensationalized fictions of news reporting these days, reporting that too often is pure opinion, devoid of any intellectual or scientific argument.…Expand

First episode: 7/10. Second episode: 1/10. What started in episode 1 as a cutting and crackling critique of modern America through the prism of televised news devolved in episode 2 into a preachy mess of irritating people screaming and gesticulating wildly, neither half as funny or half as smart -- or half as believable -- as they're supposed to be. Abysmal. Avoid.

This could be the best show I have seen in a long long time. A lot of the critics reviews make me angry, they have to remember that it's a television show and to stop taking it so personally. I applaud HBO for sticking with Aaron Sorkin to make this happen. Television is supposed to be entertaining, if it was supposed to be real, we'd just be watching CNBC or CNN. Be sure to watch andThis could be the best show I have seen in a long long time. A lot of the critics reviews make me angry, they have to remember that it's a television show and to stop taking it so personally. I applaud HBO for sticking with Aaron Sorkin to make this happen. Television is supposed to be entertaining, if it was supposed to be real, we'd just be watching CNBC or CNN. Be sure to watch and judge this amazing show on your own, not from the eyes of a journalist that is comparing it to their own life and work. I can't wait for this season to unfold!…Expand